Exhibit information

Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering

January 27, 2018–May 6, 2018

Springfield Science Museum

Is controlling technology with your mind really possible? There’s a unique field of engineering you may not know about . . . and it’s helping people achieve their dreams by restoring and extending their abilities. Beginning January 27, 2018, the Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering exhibit at the Springfield Museums invites you to explore the possibilities: from understanding how thoughts can control a neuro-prosthetic limb, to racing a simulated mono-ski.

Fully interactive, Human Plus offers visitors a chance to explore and create a range of low- and high-tech tools that extend the abilities of the human body! Visitors can ride a mono-ski in a simulated ski race, control a DJ station using the wheels of a wheelchair, “feel” the music with a special touch panel, engineer solutions to unique design challenges and even discover how someone can control a neuroprosthetic limb with their thoughts!

Human Plus also showcases compelling stories from a unique field of engineering that helps people carry out their day-to-day routines, as well as realize their lifelong dreams. Visitors can explore the dynamic, creative, user-focused engineering processes that help improve people’s lives.

Created by the New York Hall of Science in partnership with OMSI and the Quality of Life Technology Center with funding from the National Science Foundation.

Sponsored by United Bank; Shriners Hospital for Children, Springfield, MA; and Springfield Technical Community College.

Set around a tree-lined quadrangle in downtown Springfield, the world-class museums that comprise the Springfield Museums provide visitors with a wealth of exciting imagery and inspirational artwork. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native. The Quadrangle is also home to the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden, a series of full-scale bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss's whimsical creations, honoring the birthplace of Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. For one admission price, visitors can enjoy all 5 Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss Park. Secure free onsite parking is available around the corner at 21 Edwards Street. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden at the Springfield Museums in the city where Theodor Seuss Geisel was born and which appears to have inspired much of his work. Sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, who is also Geisel’s step-daughter, created the endearing bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss and his most beloved characters. See the "Story Teller" himself along with the Grinch, the Lorax, Thing 1 and 2, Horton, and Yertle the turtle! Free to see and open daily.

See vintage Indian Motocycles at the Museums. Among the rarest Indians on view is the 1904 blue Indian designed and owned by Indian co-founder Hedstrom. When he left the company, he took this motorcycle with him, and it was later passed on to his granddaughter. Also featured are Indian racer and dealer Stanley Cornell’s unique 1912 board track cycle with its original board track racing tires; an entirely restored, operable 1929 101 Scout; and a 1927 hill-climber.

The collection also includes artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs highlighting production of Indian’s “everyman” and military motorcycles from the early years at the famous “Wigwam” through the final days of the downtown Springfield factory in 1953.